Can I use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C?

What each ingredient does

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, an ingredient that attracts and holds moisture. It helps hydrate and plump skin, and is used for dryness and dehydration. Apply it to damp skin after cleansing, before moisturizer or an oil based serum.1

Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and is used to brighten skin. It fits naturally into a morning routine, before moisturizer and sunscreen. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C split the routine between hydration and brightening, which is less complicated than some skincare shelves make it look.1

How to layer them

1. 1Cleanse, then apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin.
2. 2Apply vitamin C after hyaluronic acid when the hyaluronic acid serum is water based and the vitamin C serum is oil like.
3. 3If the formulas have different textures, apply the thinner one first and the thicker one after.
4. 4Finish with moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning.

Texture matters more than the ingredient names. Medik8 notes that its oil like vitamin C formulas can roll off over water based serums, and suggests using them at different times if that happens. Product texture gets the final vote; ingredient names do not come with a universal queue number.1

The two ingredients can also come in one serum, so using both does not require two separate bottles. Follow the directions for the formula you have, especially if its texture or label instructions differ from the layering steps above.1

How often to use them

Medik8 suggests vitamin C once each morning and hyaluronic acid morning and evening. Those are its directions, not a universal schedule for every formula. If you are new to vitamin C, Medik8 suggests starting every other day and gradually increasing use. Start vitamin C every other day if you are new and build gradually; the calendar can stay out of the project management software.1

What to expect

Hyaluronic acid is used for hydration and plumper looking skin; vitamin C is used for antioxidant protection and brightness. Topical vitamin C is described as a long term option for dryness, and may also help reduce fine wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Treat those as gradual goals, not a result to expect after one application.3

Who should be careful

Sensitive skin does not automatically rule out the pairing, but no formula is guaranteed to suit everyone. Vitamin C can cause mild tingling at first, especially at higher strengths; hyaluronic acid can help offset dryness or irritation. If a new serum irritates your skin, stop using it rather than increasing how often you apply it.1

If you have rosacea and use prescription skin products, be careful when adding a new serum and make sure your skin tolerates it. Ask your dermatologist before changing a routine built around prescription products.2